Leonardo Hotels Central Europe has reorganised its development department. This restructuring is intended to create the conditions for increased expansion in Europe. The focus is on strengthening established core markets and developing selected growth regions. The reorganisation results from an exceptionally high project volume, which necessitated an adjustment of internal structures.
For 2026, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe expects to add an estimated 28 new hotels to its portfolio. Around 20 of these properties originate from the former Revo portfolio. Additionally, numerous transactions concluded this year will entail extensive integration, conversion, or renovation projects. For 2027, the company forecasts a further 20 new additions. Simultaneously, the team is managing approximately 30 projects from previous years, including conversions and renovations of existing properties. Several new-build projects are also in an advanced stage and are expected to open next year. This high volume of concurrent activity was a major reason for adjusting the development team.
Strategic Market Focus and Team Reinforcement
Geographically, Leonardo Hotels initially concentrates on established core regions such as Germany, where approximately 80 of the business unit's over 130 hotels are currently located. At the same time, the company is preparing to enter the Nordic and Scandinavian markets. For this purpose, Björn Anker Gullaksen has been appointed to the team as Director of Development for the Nordic countries. His task is to expand the portfolio in Northern Europe, particularly in metropolitan areas such as Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Helsinki, and Reykjavik. Growth opportunities are being evaluated through both acquisitions and lease agreements, with existing hotels that can be quickly integrated into one of the seven brands being of particular interest.
In Italy, where Leonardo Hotels currently operates eight hotels and one apartment house, the presence is to be expanded in the coming years. Niccolò Pravettoni reinforces the team as Business Development Manager Italy and is responsible for expansion in this market. The focus is on major cities, selected secondary locations, and significant leisure destinations, with a view to collaborating with owners, asset managers, and institutional investors. Leonardo Hotels also sees potential in the Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, and Poland, where the group already has a presence. Four hotels and an apartment house are established in Poland. Future expansions will also be pursued in countries such as Slovakia and Slovenia, for which a local manager is planned to be added to the development team. France also remains an important growth market. Leonardo Hotels is seeking a Development Manager there to intensify activities; after the addition of a second property this year, further hotels are to be added in Paris and other cities.
New Leadership and Clear Criteria for Growth
The strategic direction is supported by an expanded leadership structure within the development department. Martin Stegner has been appointed Development Director and Deputy VP for Development. He is responsible for development activities in Central Europe and serves as deputy to Jan Heringa, Vice President Development and Project Management Leonardo Hotels Central Europe. A key focus of his work is the development and expansion of the serviced apartment brand 'master'. Robert Ruschke, who joined the team in 2021, has been appointed Deputy Development Director Central Europe and assumes responsibility for the entire region, with a focus on the DACH and Eastern European markets.
The development activities continue to focus on well-positioned city hotels that complement the existing portfolio effectively. These include business and conference hotels, as well as properties with potential for further developing established concepts. The leisure segment is to be expanded. Project types include new builds, conversions, and existing properties, right through to turnkey projects. Partnership IV supports the expansion of the hotel portfolio with additional investment capital of an estimated EUR 800 million to EUR 1 billion, to provide the funds for expansion. Jan Heringa stated that the company aims to grow purposefully, identify the right projects in the right locations, and build long-term partnerships, for which the new development structure creates the necessary conditions.
